Ruby Walsh failed to make a dream return to action as Hail Caesar could finish only third in the Owen Dervin & Sons Hurdle at Roscommon.
Walsh has been sidelined by a broken arm for four months but punters made Hail Caesar, who is trained by the rider's father Ted, the 8-11 favourite to give him a winner on his return.
However, after racing keenly early on, Hail Caesar had no answer as Save My Blushes (4-1) kicked on for a five-and-a-half-length victory.
"The horse was too keen. It would have been better to drop him out or go on. But it's good to be back," said Walsh.
"It was fairly serious, breaking my humerus in three places - it's not a good injury. But I'm getting used to dealing with frustration."
Jockey Wayne Lordan and trainer David Wachman were in double form with The Four Masters (6-1) landing the opening 'Buy A Racing Post Yearling Bonus Candidate' Auction Maiden while Dainty lifted the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Fillies Handicap.
"He's a grand horse. He's big and could be a nice horse in time," said Wachman of The Four Masters.
"Weakness just caught him out in the last 100 yards.
"Dainty's a good, tough, genuine filly. This is her trip and we'll find a similar race again for her."
Adrian McGuiness' Ultra Cool could be set for a trip across the Irish Sea following her one-length success over favourite Foxilian in the Tote Go Racing Club Handicap.
"She was second in a maiden here earlier in the year but then disappointed at Ballinrobe so we gave her a break," said McGuinness.
"There is a three-year-old only race at Ayr next week for her and she will probably go there."< He's Got Rhythm (4-1) is another who could be on his travels after gaining a short head verdict over Anam Chara in the IFA Race Day Handicap.
"He's been running fantastic all season and is very consistent," said winning handler David Marnane.
"He'll probably go to the horses in training sale later in the year and would suit somebody in Dubai. I was surprised how he handled the ground today."
